Amal Unbound Review and Discussion Questions written by Hannah Gottschalk-Lineman on /2021. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog. Amal Unbound review
Know Before You Read the Amal Unbound Book
Book: Amal Unbound
Author: Aisha Saeed
Pages: 226
Published: 2018
Age Suggestion: 5th grade and up (3rd grade and up if read aloud with an adult)
Warnings: No content warnings for children 10+
Quick Amal Unbound Summary
Amal is a bright young girl with a passion for reading and learning. She is excited to one day become a teacher, until one day everything changes. Amal’s independent and courageous spirit gets her in trouble when she is confronted by one of her village’s most powerful men. Are Amal’s chances of ever finishing school-and seeing her family again- dashed by one bad interaction?
Amal Unbound Review: (May Contain Spoilers)
-Why Read the Amal Unbound Book-
Saeed was inspired to write the fictional novel, Amal Unbound after reading the story of Malala Yousafzai. This book represents the many courageous girls all over Pakistan who fight for equality everyday, but never make the news. I cannot recommend this book enough—the characters are beautiful and have rich relationships, and the message is clear: brave girls change the world. Amal is an outstanding role model who truly stands against injustice even when it would be easier to stay quiet. She encourages her friends and family to learn and go to school as well as stands up for the people in her village.
-Characters-
Amal is the picture of responsibility and bravery. She takes care of her family when her mother has a new baby, she works diligently as an indentured servant, and she studies and reads whenever possible. Amal’s bravery initially gets her in trouble when she talks back to Jawad Sahib, but despite immense hardship she doesn’t lose her spirit and eventually makes a move that puts her in grave danger, but puts tears down a very prominent and tyrannical figure.
Khan Sahib and Jawad Sahib are the foil to Amal. They are cruel and powerful political figures in the village who rule the area with fear and intimidation tactics. I recommend discussing the way these men are greedy and corrupt in direct contrast to the way Amal shows compassion and has a heart for justice.
-Setting-
Amal grows up in a rural village in Pakistan. This is a great opportunity to get out a map and look at where Pakistan is as well as discuss the cultural differences that the book reveals between the Middle East and the United States. Although the story is set in a foreign land, the readers can easily connect to the characters’ feelings and values. Saeed also does a wonderful job describing each setting as Amal visits different places.
-Style/Layout-
Amal Unbound has short, manageable chapters making it perfect for bedtime or classroom read aloud, as well as an independent read! The language and dialogue is very clear and great for children. The first person narration allows the reader to really connect with Amal and understand her perspective.
-Favorite Amal Unbound Quotes-
“Without books what was there to look forward to?” (page 114)
“My new teacher had given me a reason to dream again.” (page 185)
“…by teaching her to read I gave her a window to see worlds beyond ours…” (page 189)
“Making choices even when they scare you because you know it’s the right thing to do—that’s bravery.” (page 210)
Amal Unbound Book Discussion Questions
Themes to discuss: bravery, coming of age, education and literacy of women, indentured servitude, friendship, oppressive regimes
- Amal lives in Pakistan. What differences do you notice between Amal’s life and village and your life? (kids could even draw a picture or use a venn diagram to compare)
- In Amal’s village boys have more opportunities than girls. Have you ever noticed a place where boys and girls are treated differently?
- Does Amal value education? How do you know? Do you think that education is important?
- What does it mean to be brave? When does Amal show bravery? When have you been brave?
*Teacher Tip! The short chapters and cliff hanger endings give kids a great opportunity to predict what will happen next! Before reading these chapters let children predict what they think will happen: Chapters 11, 15, 22, 41, 45
Final Thoughts on the Amal Unbound Book
Read Amal Unbound to your children! Read it to your class! Read it to your grandkids! Read it to yourself! A brave girl story with a happy ending—what more could you want? This book will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to make a difference in the world!
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Meet the Author- Hannah Gottschalk
Hello! I am an elementary school teacher in the Bronx, New York and am passionate about teaching students to love reading! In my free time you will find me hiking, visiting museums, reading, and drinking caramel frappucinos. Find me @hannahhaschalk on Instagram or @mrs.haschalk TikTok. Go check out her other reviews, Jason Reynold’s Look Both Ways and What I Like About Me too!
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